29 years ago to the day Queen’s Freddie Mercury became the first major rock-star in history to die from AIDS. After years of remaining private about his diagnosis, only 24 hours before he lost the battle he released this statement: “The time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease.”
The iconic performer died in his Kensington home on November 24th, 1991 at the youthful age of 45. Today, exactly 29 years later, he is honoured and remembered by Queen’s lead-guitarist, and friend, Brian May. May released pictures of Mercury in his prime and relaxing behind-the-scenes at one of Queen’s concerts, captioning the photos with,”Missing you Freddie, on this day. Rest in Peace. Rock in Eternity. Bri.”
Many major artists have paid tribute to Mercury throughout the years, including an ode to the icon in Elton John’s novel ‘Love Is The Cure: On Life, Loss and the End of AIDS’. Elton John discussed the moment Mercury revealed he had AIDS, saying, “I knew exactly what it was going to do to Freddie. As did he.”
Elton John went on to say, “Freddie was incredibly courageous […] he kept performing with Queen, he kept being the funny, outrageous and profoundly generous person he had always been.” Mercury’s announcement of and death from AIDS later went on to become integral in lifting the stigma around the disease.
In April 1992, the remaining members of Queen founded The Mercury Phoenix Trust which raised awareness and funds for AIDS research and celebrated the legacy of Mercury. The Mercury Phoenix Trust has since raised millions of pounds for multiple AIDS charities.
Posthumously, the rock-star received multiple major honours including the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and was credited on one final album, fittingly named Made In Heaven. On February 18th, 1990 Mercury graced his final stage with Queen at the Dominion Theatre in London to accept the Brit Award for Outstanding Contributions to British Music. Mercury was given that same award as a solo-artist a year after his passing in 1992.
Mercury’s last performance with Queen was at Knebworth Park on August 9th, 1986 to a massive audience of 160,000 souls. The concert ended with the British National Anthem God Save The Queen playing while Mercury gave a breathtaking final farewell to his disciples, dressed in royal robes and a glowing golden crown.
Mercury’s former love, Mary Austin, is the only known person with knowledge of the whereabouts to Mercury’s true resting place, as he left her his ashes and instructed her to never tell where they were buried. For those who wish to pay their respects to the idol, the outer walls of Garden Lodge 1, Logan Place are home to the famous rock & roll shrine to the immortal spirit of Freddie Mercury.
